Beijing hits back at Joe Biden’s plans to put ‘China challenge’ on G7 agenda

Foreign ministry statement warns against ‘exclusive cliques’ and ideological confrontation ahead of Friday’s meeting

Group of Seven virtual talks will be the new US president’s first since taking office in January

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G7 member flags on display ahead of a working session at the group’s last face-to-face meeting in April 2019. Photo: AFP

Published: 10:30pm, 17 Feb 2021Updated: 10:59am, 18 Feb 2021

China has voiced opposition to “exclusive cliques” after the US said the “China challenge” would be on the table during Friday’s virtual meeting of the Group of Seven industrialised nations.

In a statement on Sunday, the White House said “the importance of updating global rules to tackle economic challenges, such as those posed by China” would be among the key issues for discussion, along with the international response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the world economic recovery.

It will be US President Joe Biden’s first G7 meeting since taking office in January. The group of leaders last met in April.

Asked about the meeting and its agenda, Beijing said it was opposed to “clique politics” and ideological confrontation.

Turnisa Matsedik-Qira of the Vancouver Uygur Association demonstrates against China's treatment of Uygurs while holding a photo of detained Canadians Michael Spavor (left) and Michael Kovrig outside a Vancouver court appearance for Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou in May 2019. Photo: AFP

“We oppose group politics based on ideological divides, forming exclusive cliques, and imposing the will of a minority group of countries over international society,” China’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday.

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